Rich Stowell

NINE WEEKS is an interesting look at BCT from the standpoint of an older, better educated recruit than is the norm in today's all-volunteer army. Stowell was 31, newly married, with a couple of college degrees under his belt when he enlisted, determined to do his duty as a patriotic American. It didn't take him long to wonder if he'd done the right thing or just a very stupid thing. This kind of wondering is pretty typical, actually. I remember having the same second thoughts myself my first time through BCT at age 18, feeling pretty low and hearing other recruits crying in their pillows. Stowell did persevere in his training and also kept a pretty complete record of activities from all ten weeks (that first one, in reception camp, he learned to his dismay, doesn't count). It's not the first time someone's done this. Peter Tauber's 70s memoir, SUNSHINE SOLDIERS, is a classic - and funny - example of this kind of service document - a book that is deservedly back in print recently. Stowell's book is similar, but lacks the sense of humor that marked Tauber's account and made it so memorable. There were a few funny parts in NINE WEEKS, but for the most part, Stowell seemed to take himself and the whole experience just a mite too seriously. Rich Stowell's book updates the BCT experience and could make a useful BCT primer for young men considering enlisting in today's army. I admire him for doing what he did, mostly because he didn't HAVE to do it. He felt it was his duty, and he responded to that. It's unfortunate there aren't more young men like Stowell in a country whose stretched-thin military could certainly use an infusion of more educated recruits. I will recommend this book to young people who might be swayed toward a life of military service.… (plus d'informations)